Women Are Suing St. Ives Over Claims Its Apricot Scrub
Causes Skin Damage

4. Now, two
women are
suing Unilever. They claim the crushed walnut shells in the
scrub “damage the skin in a way that makes it completely
unsuitable for use in a skin care product.”

Plaintiffs Kaylee Browning and Sarah Basile cited multiple
dermatologists in their lawsuit, one of whom claimed the scrub
causes “micro-tears” in the skin that make it “more vulnerable
to environmental damages, pollution, and sun damage.”

They say “they never would have bought St. Ives facial scrub if
the defendant had disclosed that it causes skin damage.”

Browning and Basile also take issue with the product’s claims
of being “non-comedogenic,” meaning it does not clog pores.

They are also challenging advertising claims that it is
“dermatologist tested” since “it is not actually recommended by
dermatologists.”

“Accordingly, St. Ives is unfit to be sold or used as a facial
scrub,” the plaintiffs claim in the suit. “The product is
completely worthless.”

ID: 10267253

6. Dr.
Joshua Zeichner, a New York–based dermatologist, told
BuzzFeed News that the “qualities of a skin care product and
the way that they are used are two separate issues.”

“Over-exfoliating with any type of scrub or chemical
exfoliator like salicylic acid or glycolic acid may result in
skin inflammation,” he said. “If you have dry or sensitive
skin, you may want to steer clear of exfoliators all
together.”

Zeichner said the scrub would have had to pass certain tests
and “demonstrate that it does not block pores” to be labeled
as non-comedogenic.

“There are many different scrubs on the market, ranging from
coarse to fine particle physical exfoliating scrubs. It is
important to select a product that best suits the specific
needs of your skin,” he said. “If you’ve any questions, you
can certainly touch base with your dermatologist for advice
on the best product for you.”